Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is frequently developed due to failure of the functional rehabilitation after acute ankle sprain. So, there is a need for an alternative way by which we can begin neuro-muscular control retraining sooner. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the effect of 6-week Single-limb Balance Training Program of the non-affected side on the Overall Stability Index (OASI), Antero-Posterior Stability Index (APSI), and the Medio-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI) of the affected side in females with unilateral CAI. METHODS: Thirty-two female patients with CAI with mean age 20.96 +/- 1.69 years participated in this study. They were randomly assigned into three groups: experimental group A (cross-education) (n = 11) performed the exercises for the non-affected side, experimental group B (traditional training) (n = 11) performed the exercises for the affected side, and control group C (n = 10) did not perform any exercises. The randomization was done using statistical random tables. Data were collected using the Biodex Balance system before and after training. RESULTS: Two-way mixed design MANOVA revealed that there were significant improvements in the mean values of the OASI, APSI and MLSI after training (p < 0.05) in both the cross-education group (A) and traditional training group (B) with no significant difference in-between for the OASI, MLSI and APSI after training. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the pre and post-training mean values of the OASI, MLSI and APSI in the control group (C). CONCLUSION: Single-limb balance training for the non-affected side is effective in improving the postural control of the affected side in patients with CAI.
With permission from Excerpta Medica Inc.

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